Working towards a new and safer Leopold Estate

An innovative regeneration and new build scheme is underway at the Leopold Estate in the London borough of Tower Hamlets as part of the St. Paul’s Way Transformation Project, which was formed four years ago by Tower Hamlets Council, Tower Hamlets PCT and Poplar HARCA.

The vision of the scheme is to create a safe and inspiring St. Paul’s Way that can bring the community back together and work has also encompassed the £40m complete rebuild of St. Paul’s Way Trust School.

Under the first phase of the project, over 300 homes have been renovated. This has comprised the renewal of kitchens and bathrooms and the replacement of heating systems in the properties, which include street, low rise and high rise properties. Level access is provided at all entrances to the Red blocks that form part of the original Leopold Estate, including escape/resident only doors, and every block has a lift by the main entrance. Entrance to the underground garages will be via existing ramps and a new access stair with an integral lift adjacent to Wilcox House whilst in all areas, both internal and external lighting will be improved and clear signage installed.

In later phases, the old grey concrete blocks will be demolished and 480 new homes will be built, of which 172 will be for affordable rent. The White blocks in Shelmerdine Close and Ackroyd Drive will be completely demolished as part of the Leopold Regeneration. The new build designs were given planning approval in December 2007; however the build process has been delayed due to the current economic climate.

Extensive consultation with local residents carried out by LART and Poplar HARCA showed that the main concerns of local residents were security and the environment. In particular, security was identified as an issue at the Burdett Road site, built in the early 1980’s. As a result, measures will be taken to improve the general safety of Leopold Estate and £1 million of funding for Transport for London has been provided to improve the St. Paul’s Way streetscape. All pedestrian routes will be evenly surfaced and generous in width, and be enforced with designated lighting users with routes and way-finding.

In addition, there will be extensive landscaping and environmental improvements to the estate, comprising both hard and soft landscaping. Play facilities are proposed in various locations throughout both the refurbished and new build areas. Up to 10% of the car parking provided can be allocated for wheelchair users.

Local residents are also working with the landlords Poplar HARCA and Partners Tower Hamlets PCT, Tower Hamlets Education and Bow Arts Trust as part of a new and exciting public art project.

The Architects for the Leopold Estate project, PRP Architects, were named Architect of the Year at The Daily Telegraph British Homes Awards 2011.

Brendan Flynn

Brendan Flynn is a specialist carpentry and window installation subcontractor. They have 36 years of experience in providing quality-driven results for all phases and types of major building projects and have built a solid reputation for craftsmanship, integrity and client satisfaction.

Brendan Flynn work with many main building contractors and provide carpentry for residential and affordable housing developments, hotels and schools, commercial and listed buildings. With a trade workforce of over 100 craftsmen, they can meet the requirements of even the most demanding contracts.